The White Sox landed in MLB.com’s four-spot, but saw their number fluctuate in other media outlet’s rankings. Here’s a complete overview of where the team stands:
MLB.com: 4
Previous Ranking: 6 (+2)
“A hot White Sox offense cooled on Sunday in a 5-0 loss to the Indians, ending a nine-game stretch in which Chicago outscored opponents 53 to 31. During those nine games, the club’s starting pitchers produced a 2.88 ERA (16 ER/50 IP). Run differential factors greatly into these rankings, and it should be noted the Sox are one of the best in that area — their +28 differential is behind only the Dodgers (+45) and the Astros (+32).” Rankings done by Alyson Footer.
Released on Sunday, May 2nd.
ESPN: 7
Previous Ranking: 7
“The early success of the Royals aside, the Twins’ bewildering tailspin of late has coincided with the gradual arrival of the White Sox team we expected this season, and as the first month comes to an end, Chicago looks like the team to beat in the AL Central. The rotation has been one of the more consistent groups in baseball, Lucas Giolito’s recent scuffling notwithstanding. And Michael Kopech, whose role will continue to evolve, has looked like one of baseball’s most electric pitchers in the early going.” – Doolittle
Released on Thursday, April 29th.
CBS Sports: 5
Previous Ranking: 5
“They are playing good baseball overall, but the full offensive potential has yet to be unlocked (is it waiting on Jose Abreu to get hot?) and they’ve lost five of Lucas Giolito’s six starts.” – Matt Snyder
Released on Monday, May 3rd.
USA Today: 8
Previous Ranking: 6 (-2)
“Michael Kopech has 30 strikeouts in 18.2 innings across seven appearances, including two starts.” – Jesse Yomtov
Released on Monday, May 3rd.
The Athletic: 5
Previous Ranking: 4 (-1)
Conducted by Grant Brisbee and Levi Weaver. If you’re a subscriber of The Athletic, click here for further reasoning.
Released on Monday, May 3rd.
Bleacher Report: 9
Previous Ranking: 8 (-1)
“With a plus-28 run differential that is the third-highest in baseball, the White Sox are a better team than their record suggests. They rank in the top 10 in both ERA (3.64, eighth) and OPS (.733, eighth), which is a good indication of how well-rounded their roster has been. Now if someone could just convince Tony La Russa to stop giving Leury Garcia (37 OPS+) and Jake Lamb (54 OPS+) semi-regular playing time.” Joel Reuter
Released on Tuesday, April 27th.
NBC Sports Edge: 9
Previous Ranking: 4 (-5)
“Eloy Jimenez is expected to be out until September with the torn pectoral muscle that he suffered toward the end of spring training, and now it sounds like Luis Robert could be on a similar timeline after going down with a Grade 3 strain — or complete tear — of his left hip flexor while running the bases on Sunday. Whether he undergoes surgery or takes the rest and rehab route, Robert will be sidelined for at least 12-16 weeks. The 23-year-old had slashed .316/.359/.463 through 25 games this season.” – Drew Silva
Released on Tuesday, May 4th.
Sports Illustrated: 5
Previous Ranking: 3 (-2)
“He might not have had his best stuff, but it was great to see Lance Lynn back in action this week. The veteran right-hander surrendered three runs in five innings with two walks and two strikeouts, but did enough to pick up his second win of the season after being activated from the injured list with a strained right trapezius. Lynn, Carlos Rodón, Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease and Dallas Keuchel form an imposing rotation that makes the White Sox tough to win a series against. Chicago even has a future ace waiting in the wings in Michael Kopech, who’s currently relegated to mostly bullpen work. The flame-throwing righty has struck out 30 of the 68 batters he’s faced this season with only four walks and one home run allowed.”
Released on Monday, May 3rd.
The White Sox head to Kansas City for a three-game series with early first-place bragging rights on the line. Check back here around the same time again next week for another round of rankings!
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Featured Photo: White Sox/Twitter
